Star Trek: A Cruel Universe

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                           STAR TREK:  THE NEXT GENERATION

                                          _

                                  A CRUEL UNIVERSE

                                          _

By Tanya Dean - copyright 1993

THE ENTERPRISE JOLTED VIOLENTLY.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard, desperately clutched onto the armrests of his chair

and struggled to remain seated.

 "An attack?" suggested Worf, the Klingon Security Chief.

 "Negative" said Data checking the Ops console. " Sensors detect an energy

 disturbance in Engineering. Calculated danger level high."

Captain Picard hit his communicator.

 "Mr. La Forge .... What happened? ..... Geordi, are you all right?

 Geordi? .... Geordi?!"

There was no reply.

 "Quickly, Data. Go to Engineering. Do you think you'll need any help?"

Data stood up.

 "Perhaps, sir, depending on how great the danger is."

 "Go with Lieutenant Commander Talon, and be careful, both of you."

 "Aye, sir."

They ran into the turbolift.

 "Engineering," and the doors hissed shut.

The smoke in Engineering was thick. Thick enough to cut through with a phaser

beam. Data managed to get a glimpse of Geordi through the smoke, lying on the

floor, the VISOR knocked from his head. He ran to his friend, knelt down

beside him and turned him over.

 "Geordi?" he whispered.

 "Is he all right?" asked Talon, concerned.

 "It would appear so. I detect no internal or external damage. He is

 unconscious and should recover soon. "

Data then caught a glimpse of Ensign Davies and Gomez through the smoke.

 "Please take Chief Engineer La Forge to sickbay."

 "Aye, sir."

Sonja Gomez knelt down to Geordi and helped Davies pick him up. They did as

Data ordered.

Data stood up and walked further into the smoke with Commander Talon. The

Enterprise shook violently again and there was an explosion in the

Engineering Hull. Talon was thrown against the wall. Data leapt to her and

helped her up.

 "Are you all right?" he inquired, concerned.

 "Yeah" she replied, dusting herself off. "I'm just a little bruised, that's

 all. "

 "Be careful, and stand behind me for protection. We have to locate the

 source of the disturbance before it is too late. "

A computer terminal exploded, sending sparks flying in all directions. Data

waited until he calculated it would be safe to proceed. Captain Picard's

voice sounded over his combadge.

 "Data, have you located the source of ..."

 "Not as yet, Captain. The smoke emissions are substantially thick, but

 judging from the force of the explosions, I believe we are getting closer."

 "Maintain an open frequency, Mr. Data."

 "Aye, sir."

The bridge shook forcefully. Counsellor Troi was thrown from her chair.

Captain Picard gave her a hand up. The lighting then began to flicker.

 "Picard to Data. Are you any closer?"

Another vigorous jolt threw the captain onto the floor.

 "Captain! ...." came Data's voice, with extreme urgency, "the disturbance

 has been located in the antimatter containment tanks! If it cannot be sealed

 off, the antimatter core must be emergency-dumped, otherwise the Enterprise

 will be destroyed."

 "Copy, Commander. Do what you have to - and hurry ..."

Back in Engineering, Data and Commander Talon had made their way to the

antimatter containment tanks. Data saw the cause of the problem.

 "The fissure is large, Captain, but I believe I can seal it off, with a

 little ...."

 "Data - Don't yap, just do it."

 "Yes, sir."

Data began to weld the split closed. A fierce explosion blew out of the

containment tank. Data was standing directly in front of it, took the full

brunt of the explosion and was thrown back a few meters.

 "Data!" yelled Commander Talon.

 "Data!" came Jean-Luc's urgent voice, "what happened?!"

Commander Talon looked around and pushed her communicator.

 "Captain, this is Lieutenant Commander Talon. Data was welding the crack and

 was knocked unconscious by an explosion. I can continue."

 "Hurry."

She completed welding the fissure, then an explosion struck her. Her reddish

brown hair caught fire. Commander Talon instantly slapped the fames out. She

was hurt, but attended to Data, who had just regained consciousness.

 "Everything's under control, Captain," she reported.

 "Thank you, Lieutenant. You and Data may return to the bridge."

Data began to stand. He saw Talon was hurt. Her leg was bleeding heavily,

due to a large, deep incision at the rear of her thigh. It took and effort

to stand up.

 "I shall escort you to sickbay" offered Data.

Talon smiled. "Thanks."  She tried to hide the pain in her voice, but it was

not hidden from Data. He tapped his  communicator.

 "Captain, reporting to sickbay. Lieutenant Commander Talon has been wounded."

 " Badly? "

 "Negative, sir. The wound looks painful, but there appears to be no

 permanent damage."

 "Report to the bridge as soon as possible."

 "Acknowledged, Captain."

Data then gently picked up the Commander.

 "Hey ...."

 "Am I holding you too tightly?"

She smiled and shook her head. Data carried her into the turbolift.

 "Sickbay."

He arrived at the required destination and laid her on the biobed, just as

Geordi was leaving.

 "Data .... is everything ...."

Data gave his friend a short nod.

 "Everything is under control, Geordi. Are you all right?"

 "Yeah, Data, I'm fine. Thanks."

Data smiled at him. La Forge then left for his post .

Doctor Beverly Crusher walked toward Commander Lucia Talon, medical tricorder

in hand.

 "Is it very painful?"

 "A little" winced Lucia. "It's hurting more .... owww .... I think

 something's stuck in there ...."

 "Doctor Crusher, I believe I can help."

Beverly looked up at Data.

 " Be careful. "

Data gave her a nod.

 " Yes, Doctor. I know exactly what I am doing. I have done this before. "

Data took a piece of synthetic material and wiped away the blood. Lucia's leg

was continuing to bleed quite heavily. The android then placed his hands on

the back of her leg. Lucia had expected the hands of a machine to be rough,

hard and cold, but Data's were quite the opposite. Data saw what was stuck

inside her leg. A small piece of metal. He slowly began to pull it out. Lucia

winced, expecting the operation to be extremely painful, but the android's

gentle touch surprised her. She felt no pain, other than what she had felt

before the operation. Data placed the metal splinter down on the ledge.

 "The operation has been completed successfully, Doctor," he informed. He

 then looked down at Lucia, on the biobed. "Are you feeling all right,

 Commander?"

 "Yes, Data. Thank you, and thank you too, Doctor."

Beverly smiled. She then sealed Commander Talon's wound. Data helped her off

the bed and returned with her to the Main Bridge.

 "Is everything under control, Data?" was the captain's first question.

 "Affirmative, sir" replied the Second Officer. "The situation in Engineering

 has returned to normal. The antimatter is contained and Lieutenant Commander

 Talon is fine."

Picard tapped his communicator. "Geordi, is everything all right down there?"

Geordi looked around, then touched his communicator.

 "Yes, sir. Everything's fine. It's like nothing happened."

 "Have you any idea what caused the ...."

 "No, Captain. Sensors detect nothing at all. I've scanned for just about

 everything. I'll keep you posted. La Forge out."

As Lieutenant Commander Lucia Talon walked towards the helm, Captain Jean-Luc

Picard noticed her short black miniskirt, which rose well above her knees. As

she leaned over to the console, her skirt lifted further. The sight of her

slender, shapely legs caught more of Picard's attention - made him raise an

eyebrow.

Worf too found it hard to look away. He managed to pull his eyes back to

tactical with some effort. Commander William Riker tried to focus his

attention on the viewscreen, but failed miserably. He could not keep his eyes

off her. If it wasn't for a quick snappy gesture from Picard's hand, Riker

would have fallen out of his chair.

Data, confused at what the fuss was about, looked with curiosity at Commander

Talon's legs. Becoming frustrated when he couldn't figure it out, he turned

back to the Ops console. Lucia, unaware of the commotion she was causing, sat

down at Conn. She then looked over at Data and smiled. Data wanted to ask her

what was so special about her legs, but decided against it and smiled

politely back at her. He then turned back to his console.

 "Captain," came Worf's booming voice, "StarFleet Command is hailing us."

Jean-Luc frowned.

 "Open hailing frequencies, Mr. Worf."

 "Frequencies open, sir."

Captain Picard stood up and walked toward the viewscreen.

 "On main viewer."

Admiral Elita Onel appeared on the viewscreen.

 "Greetings, Enterprise," she said. "StarFleet has an urgent rescue mission

 for you. We have checked and confirmed that you are the closest Federation

 starship to a derelict vessel in which positive life signs have been

 confirmed. We are not exactly sure what type of vessel it is, but we believe

 it may be Federation. The vessel has been located in the Neutral Zone."

Picard tensed. "Admiral," he began, "have you any idea of the difficulties

that mission would cause?"

 "StarFleet is aware of the difficulties and dangers involved in this

 mission, Captain Picard. There may be many people on that ship that need

 you. You have your orders, but proceed with extreme caution."

 "We'll do our best, Admiral."

 "I know you will, Jean-Luc. I know the Enterprise will not let us down.

 Onel out."

The viewscreen went blank.

 "Wonderful ...." muttered Riker

Captain Picard eyed the crew and rubbed his chin. "Mmmm... we have a

problem ...."

 "Entering the Neutral Zone will appear provocative, Captain," warned his

 First Officer. "The Romulans ....."

 "I'm aware of the danger, Number One, but if we do not enter, the people in

 that vessel will most certainly die."

 "I realize the importance of this mission, Captain," said Worf, "but we are

 taking a substantial risk."

 "I know, Lieutenant, but the Admiral has a point - There may be people on

 that ship who need our help. Who knows how many? And we will also be taking

 a risk if we disobey StarFleet."

 "Captain," cautioned Worf, "it may also be a Romulan trap."

 "We cannot automatically assume the Romulans are involved, Lieutenant. Set

 co-ordinates for the Neutral Zone."

Captain Picard then tapped his communicator. "Engineering, we need Maximum

Warp for as long we can hold."

 "Aye, sir," came Geordi's voice. "Maximum Warp."

 "Data," said the Captain, turning to Ops, "travelling at Maximum Warp,

 exactly when will we reach the derelict?"

 "Forty-eight hours, twenty-two minutes, and fifty-thr..."

 "Thank you, Mr. Data. That was exact enough."

 "Of course, Captain, the time will vary as the derelict continues to drift

 further away or toward us. I cannot be certain in which direction it is

 drifting."

 "By how much will the time vary, Data?"

 "Approximately four to seven seconds, sir."

Jean-Luc sighed. "Thank you .... thank you, Data ...."

As the Enterprise soared into Maximum Warp, Captain Picard addressed his

third in command.

 "Data, brief Lieutenant Commander Talon on our previous encounters with the

 Romulans."

 "Yes, Captain."

Data pushed the rotating Ops console away from him turned towards Commander

Talon and began.

 "... and then ...."

 "Data ..." interrupted Captain Picard, tediously, "- I said brief."

Data turned to him. "Yes, I .... I know, Captain. I apologize."  He pulled

back to Ops. He knew he got carried away sometimes ...

Lucia had taken everything in quite well. She was a quick learner, well she

had to be to be helmsman of the Enterprise. She had listened to Data well and

made notes in her head of what he had said. Lucia was puzzled at how an

android's voice could sound so calm and gentle. Frankly, when Captain Picard

called Data off, she wanted him to go on. She then discreetly glanced over at

him.

 Hmmm .... Quite good looking for an android ..... In fact .... very good

 looking ....

 "Lieutenant Commander Talon," said the captain, "come to my Ready Room. "

Lucia looked around.  "Yes, sir."

She stood up and followed him. The doors hissed shut behind them.

 "Sit down" offered Jean-Luc.

He waited for Lucia to be seated, then said, "this is not the best of

circumstances, Commander. You are our newest bridge crewman. Do you feel

confident with this situation?"

 "Captain," began Commander Talon, her tone serious, "I realise the danger

 and risk involved in this mission. I don't mean to sound modest, but I am

 the helmsman of the Enterprise, because I was the best in the Academy. I

 joined StarFleet for a challenging career. I know the risks that come with

 the StarFleet Uniform. I am confident, sir and I will do my best to serve

 you, the Enterprise and StarFleet, always."

Captain Picard nodded.

 "Thank you, Commander. Dismissed."

        Captain's Log, Stardate 46209.4:

        A derelict vessel has been located in the Neutral Zone. StarFleet

        Command has informed us that they have detected life forms aboard it

        and since the Enterprise is the closest Federation vessel, have

        ordered us to rescue all survivors. It is an extremely dangerous and

        risky mission, but I agree it must be done. I have taken into account

        that we may be heading straight into a trap. We are proceeding with

        extreme caution.

Lieutenant Commander Talon was off duty, and was walking down one of the

Enterprise's many corridors. She had never been on a starship as large as the

Enterprise before and was amazed at her size and technology. Lucia turned

around and looked back at where she had been. She then began to walk

backwards. Unaware of who or what was in front of her, she turned around and

bumped smack into Lieutenant Commander Data.

 "Oh .... sorry .... excuse me ..... I didn't see you ....."

The android was puzzled.

 "I realize the fact that you did not see me," he said, "but may I inquire as

 to why you were walking backwards?"

Lucia smiled.

 "This ship ...." she said. "She's amazing .... massive. No matter where you

 turn, she never seems to come to an end."

 "The Enterprise is a large starship" confirmed Data, "but everything comes

 to an end. I am off duty, Commander Talon. If you desire, I would be willing

 to show you around."

 "That'd be wonderful, Data. Thank you, but are you sure you won't get lost?"

 Data nodded. "It is understandable to assume that one could get lost on the

 Enterprise, but I being an android, I have the entire lay out of the ship

 stored in my memory."

 "I keep on forgetting that you're an android. You seem so .... human."

Data smiled. The smile then faded away.

 "You are not angry or disappointed in the fact that I am not human?"

 "No. I don't have any prejudice against you, Data. Some of the nicest people

 you meet aren't human. I have to admit, sometimes I wish I was an android as

 well."

 "Being an android has many advantages," pointed out Data, "but I would

 gladly give them all up to be human."

Lucia smiled.

 "It'd be nice if we could swap bodies."

Data had a puzzled look on his face as he looked up and down her body. "That

is not possible" he concluded.

 "I know, I know, but I wish it were."

Data nodded.

There was a short pause.

 "Now" said Commander Talon, suddenly, "how about showing me around?"

Data gave a nod.  "Certainly."

He began showing her various aspects of the Enterprise, being very careful

not to bore the Commander with explicit detail.

Hours later ...

 "Thanks, Data. I feel as if I know my way around this ship backwards."

 "I would not recommend that, Commander," advised Data. "You may know your

 way around the Enterprise backwards, but you do not know who is in front of

 you. You may bump into someone - again."

Lucia laughed.

 "You're really something ...." she complimented. "And please, call me Lucia."

 "Thank you, Lucia," Data said automatically, not entirely sure what he was

 thanking her for.

Data stopped in front of a door in the corridor.

 "What's in there?" asked Lucia.

 "This is my personal quarters" replied Data, walking inside as the door

 hissed open. "You may come inside, if you desire."

 "Thank, you, Data."

Lucia followed him in. Data was puzzled at the slight excitement he detected

in her voice, but he decided not to say anything more. Lucia then looked

around. Data's quarters were quite spacious. Something bright then caught her

attention.

 "What's this?" she asked.

 "One of my paintings" answered Data.

 "It's beautiful .... You painted it yourself?"

Data nodded. "Of course I had to be taught how to paint. Geordi, my best

friend taught me, but all my work is original."

Lucia turned to another of Data's paintings. "What is this one?"

 "It is not yet completed. It does not appear to be a painting of anything in

 particular, but much human art falls into the same category. I have been

 studying many ancient painters, the most interesting being, Da Vinci, Van

 Gogh, Michelangelo, Picasso, Pro Hart..."

 "Pro Hart?" inquired Lucia.

 "A twentieth century Australian painter. I find his work most interesting.

 Perhaps also the most unusual."

Captain Picard's voice sounded over Lucia's communicator.

 "Lieutenant Commander Talon, please report to the bridge."

She tapped her insignia.  "On my way, Captain."

She took another look at the android's painting, then started to leave.

 "I'll see you later, Data."

Lucia left for the bridge. Data turned to his unfinished painting and began

to work on it.

Later, Lucia returned to Data's quarters and sounded the door buzzer.

 "Come in" said Data, continuing to paint.

Lucia entered. Data put his paints down on the ledge.

 "Data," she began, "I've got a surprise for you."

Lucia produced a wrapped parcel from behind her back.

 "A gift?" said Data, confused, "I thank you, but why? It is no special

 occasion."

 "I know, but just open it."

Data took the parcel from Lucia and ripped the wrapping off, as Wesley had

once told him he was supposed to do, but being careful not to damage what was

inside.

 "It is a tapestry" he said, examining it.

Lucia nodded.

 "I got it for you to do. You seem to like art so much, you'll enjoy it. Do

 you know how ..."

 "Affirmative. I have observed humans sewing. Thank you, Lucia."

 "Don't mention it. By the way, how long do you think it'll take you?"

Data glanced at the tapestry.

 "It contains three hundred and ninety-two lines, each containing two hundred

 and fourteen stitches .... I would estimate - nine minutes and twenty

 seconds."

 "What?! These usually take weeks .... months ..... Oh yeah.... I forgot,

 androids can work faster than humans."

 "That is correct, Lucia, but even though I could finish in under ten

 minutes, I would like to do it slowly, as if I were human."

Lucia smiled. "That's lovely, Data."

Data then hesitated. "Lucia," he said, "I have to report to Engineering to

assist Geordi in increasing shield efficiency. We are going to need it if

things turn ugly with the Romulans."

Lucia nodded. "I agree."

Data put the tapestry down. "I will start this later. Sorry. I have to go.

Duty calls."

 "It's okay, Data. I know the feeling."

Data frowned a little, puzzled, but decided not to say anything. They then

both left his quarters.

The Enterprise without warning, rocked violently.

 "Captain!" came the chief engineer's urgent voice, "it's happening again!"

Jean-Luc was preoccupied with wrestling the armrests of his chair, to remain

seated.

 "Copy, Geordi. Do everything you can to keep .... whatever it is away from

 the antimatter containment tanks."

 "Aye, sir, but that's not gonna be easy."

 "Do you need any extra hands down there?"

 "If we can't rectify the damage no amount of extra people will help. We're

 doing the best we can. I'll keep you posted. La Forge out."

 "Geordi," said Data, glancing at him, "perhaps if we can locate the source

 of the disturbance, you may be able to counter its effects. I would

 hypothesize that the near disaster which struck the Enterprise before was

 caused by the same ..."

 "Gotcha, Data."

The Enterprise continued to shake vigorously.

 "Captain," came Geordi's voice, "I've scanned for everything and anything.

 The only thing I've been able to detect is very faint. It seems to be a

 strange energy of some sort. "

 "Theorize."

 "I'm not sure, sir. It appears to be constantly changing. It isn't anything

 we're familiar with. I can't even make it our with the VISOR. We've managed

 to keep it away from the antimatter, for now. Things should quieten down,

 but I'm not sure how long the peace can be maintained."

 "Geordi, run a further analysis on the energy and try to find its source.

 Keep me posted."

 "Aye, sir."

A few moments later ...

Data instantly tapped his insignia.

 "Captain," he reported, with some element of surprise, "it appears that the

 source of this strange energy is emanating from within the Neutral Zone .... "

Captain Picard's eyes widened.

 "Are you sure, Data?"

 "I have checked three times and confirmed, sir."

 "Captain, it has to be the Romulans" accused Worf, anger burning inside him.

 "They are trying to destroy us."

 "There is not enough evidence to make such an accusation, Lieutenant. The

 alien energy has never been encountered by the Enterprise or any other

 Federation vessel, so it probably has never been encountered by the Romulans

 either."

Worf agreed, reluctantly.

One hour later, Lieutenant Commander Talon was in her quarters, frustrated

and confused, pacing back and forth, back and forth. The door buzzer sounded.

Lucia did not want to be bothered.

 "Come in" she said, a little harsher than she had intended.

Then her anger vanished.

 "What are you doing?" Data asked, puzzled, as he walked into her quarters.

 "I'm worried Data .... I'm off duty and I can't think straight. This Romulan

 situation's really getting to me. What makes me even more angry, is there's

 nothing I can do about it."

 "Come with me" said Data, offering her his hand.

 "Where are we going?"

 "Holodeck Two. You need to relax, then you will operate with higher

 efficiency."

Lucia smiled.  "Thanks, Data."

They arrived at the entrance to Holodeck Two.

 "Have you ever been to the holodeck?" Data asked.

 "No, I haven't."

 "What setting is to your liking?"

Lucia then giggled, her cat-like eyes sparkling. "Um .... something

romantic ...."

Data hesitated and turned to her. "I am afraid my experience in romance is

somewhat ... limited...."

Lucia looked sympathetic. She then turned to the computer.

 "Computer," she said, "program a moonlit seaside on a crisp clear night."

There was a moments pause. "Program complete. You may enter when ready."

The holodeck doors slid apart, revealing the program specified. Data and

Lucia stepped inside and the doors closed behind them.

 "Oh Data ..... I never imagined it could look so real ...."

Lucia gazed into the purple sky, which deepened toward the horizon.

 "It's .... it's wonderful ...."

 "The holodeck is always extremely accurate in simulating real situations."

An ocean wave broke on the shore. Lucia ran to the rim of the water and

touched the next incoming wave. She jumped back as it touched her feet. She

then fell backwards, and Data caught her.

 "I still can't believe how real this all is ...."

She and Data began to walk along the sand.

 "Forgive me," started Data, pausing and putting his right hand into the

 left, "but I do not understand how a moonlit seaside scenario is considered

 to be .... romantic."

 "Data, it's romantic because it's peaceful, calm and beautiful. The way the

 moonlight sparkles on the ocean .... the dim light, the quietness,

 stillness ... That's why people have candle lit dinners ...."

Data stopped walking. I remember he thought, the candle lit dinner with Jenna

D'sora. I failed then, and it is going to happen again. I do not want to hurt

Lucia as I did Jenna. Perhaps I will come to an understanding of romance, but

I will never truly feel it?

When Data dragged himself back to the present moment, he noticed Lucia's

light green eyes were staring into his.

 "Hey ...." she said, "you with me?"

In the past, Data would have been puzzled and said `I have been here all

along,' but he had come a long way since then.

 "I was just .... thinking about something ....."

 "It's all right, Data. What were you thinking about?"

 "I would rather not discuss it .... I ...."

 "I understand. You don't have to. Everyone has private thoughts they don't

 want to talk about."

 "Lucia ...." said Data, quickly changing the subject, "I can never

 physically be human, but being with humans for so long, I have learnt so

 much about them. I understand many aspects that I did not in the past, but

 there is so much I do not understand .... You seem very understanding,

 Lucia .... could you...."

Data hesitated. Lucia gazed into his innocent golden eyes.

 "Help you to become more human?"

He slowly nodded. "Please" he said, quietly.

 "Sure, Data. It'll be my pleasure."

 "Thank you" he whispered, sincerely.

Lucia then sneezed.

 "Ah ..... That is one thing which I would like to know more about."

 "What?" asked Lucia, confused.

 "Sneezing. How do humans do it? I keep trying, but I cannot seem to get it

 right." Data tried to sneeze.

Lucia laughed.

 "What is so funny? I also find human humour difficult to understand."  Data

 sounded frustrated.

 "Hang on, Data - One thing at a time. A sneeze is an involuntary action. You

 can't control it. It just happens."

 "How?"

 "Well, there's two ways one can sneeze - one, from a disease called a cold,

 which is quite rare now, and two, when the nose is irritated."  Lucia sneezed

 again. "You see? I didn't control that. I haven't got a cold. There's

 something very small inside my nose which is making me sneeze."

 "I see" said Data. " Is there any possible way I could sneeze? .... Just

 once?"

 "I don't know, Data ..... Um .... Wait a second." Data paused. "I have

 waited a second."

Lucia smiled again. "Just wait a little longer - Computer, freeze program and

change setting to a middle-classed old fashioned restaurant."

In a flash, the setting changed to a late twentieth century restaurant. Data

and Lucia found themselves sitting at the corner table. Data looked around to

familiarise himself with the surroundings. He then turned back to Lucia and

saw her pick up a small glass object, with holes at the top.

 "Sniff this" she said.

Data looked confused.

 "What is it?" he asked, as he took it from her.

 "Just sniff it, Data, and sniff hard."

Data curiously eyed the object that Lucia had given him, and sniffed hard. He

then looked inquisitively at her.

 "I do not understand why ....."

Then it happened. For the first time in his life - Data truly sneezed. He

could not believe it. He hardly had any time to be surprised, before he

sneezed again, and again.

 "I finally did it!" he exclaimed. "What was in that object?"

 "Pepper."

 "Pepper? Is that not an additive humans use to enhance flavour of certain

 foods?"

 "It also makes you sneeze, Data."

Data smiled. "Thank you."

 "Nah ..... It was nothin' really."

Together they stood up, walked toward the exit of the restaurant and out into

the street, the crisp, cold night air all around them. Lucia slipped her arm

through Data's, then gave him a kiss.

The two were then violently thrown onto the floor. The holodeck scene

instantly changed back to the beach setting, then to the restaurant, then to

the street and then it was blank. Showing only the glowing yellow grid.

 "Commander Data, report to the bridge immediately!"

The holodeck doors appeared and began to slide open and closed.

 "How will we know when to go through?"

Lucia readied herself to make the dash.

 "Wait" said Data. "You may injure yourself. Perhaps I can hold the doors

 open."

Data took hold of one door and then the other, holding them apart with his

immense android strength. Lucia darted out underneath him. Data quickly

released the doors and leapt out of the way as they slammed shut.

 "Holodeck deactivated" came the voice of the computer.

 "Phew .... We got out of there just in time" gasped Lucia.

Data made sure she was not hurt.

He then stood up and charged into the turbolift. The ride was rocky, but he

soon arrived on the bridge and instantly was at his post.

 "What do you make of that, Mr. Data?"

Captain Picard pointed to the viewscreen.

 "It appears to be a cloud of ionized gas particles, Captain, but the sensors

 disconfirm that. It is an energy cloud of some kind, but of what kind, I

 cannot be sure."

There was a pause. Then the Ops terminal gave a buzz. Data glanced down at it

and his eyes widened.

 "Captain!" he exclaimed, "the sensors have confirmed the  energies of this

 cloud to be identical to the alien energy Geordi detected in Engineering."

 "Shields up!  Red Alert!"

Data's fingers flew across the Ops console.

 "Captain, shields will not have any effect. Sensors indicate the alien

 energy is already aboard the Enterprise, and levels of it are increasing at

 alarming rates in the Engineering Hull."

Engineering was in utter chaos. Geordi was madly trying to secure the

antimatter containment tanks. He slapped his combadge.

 "Captain! Everything's going haywire down here! We're doing everything we

 can, but the energy levels are increasing fast. If it keeps up, we're gonna

 have to dump the antimatter core."

 "Do what you have to, Geordi. Picard out. Data, is there any way to stop

 it?"

Jean-Luc's voice was full of urgency; the android was calm as ever.

 "I am trying, sir, but the energy appears to be fluctuating and therefore is

 altering readings."

 "Captain!" came Geordi's urgent voice, "the energy is beginning to overload

 the antimatter containment tanks! I'm gonna have to dump it."

 "Make it so."

Geordi began initiating the sequence to emergency dump the antimatter.

 "Captain! .... Something's gone wrong! .... I can't dump the core! It won't

 budge .... And it's going to blow in less than four minutes! ...."

A shiver ran up the spines of all on the bridge, with the exception of Data,

who was busily monitoring the Ops console.

 "Captain ..." he said, "the alien energy is beginning to spread from the

 Engineering Hull, throughout the entire ship. It has not yet reached the

 Saucer Section. I suggest we prepare for Emergency Saucer Separation. I can

 see no way to save the Engineering Hull. If we separate, at least one of the

 sections will be saved."

Jean-Luc took a deep breath, wishing there was another way out of this. A way

to save everyone.

Data's thoughts were for his best friend, Geordi La Forge. They had been

through so much together and Geordi had always been there when Data needed

him.

 Thank you, Geordi. Thank you for everything. I wish I could save you, but I

 can't. I'm sorry ... Goodbye ....

 "Make it so" said the captain, after a pause. "Separate."

Worf began the sequence for Emergency Saucer Separation.

 "Captain! The controls are not responding! Separation is impossible ...."

Picard spun to tactical. "What?!"

 "The energy has now infiltrated the Saucer Section, Captain," informed Data.

 "Estimated time to total destruction of the Enterprise, two minutes and

 forty seconds."

 This is the end Jean-Luc thought. The end. I have always known the risks

 involved being the captain of a starship, I always knew it would come. But

 not now. Not like this ...

 "Captain!" called Data, abruptly, "I believe there may be a way to save the

 Enterprise."

Picard spun towards him.

 "What will be involved, Captain, is ...."

 "Forget the explanation, Data!" snapped Riker. "Do it! We only have about a

 minute left."

 "Forty-nine seconds, sir." Data tapped his communicator.

 "Transporter Chief, lock onto the coordinates of the antimatter containment

 tank in Engineering and beam it directly into the centre of the energy

 cloud."

 "Data?" questioned Picard.

 "I know exactly what I am doing, Captain."

 "Proceed with the transport."

The antimatter core was beamed to the coordinates specified by the Second

Officer.

 "Raise shields" ordered Picard.

The galactic explosion witnessed was spectacular. All but Data were

temporarily blinded by its brightness. The Enterprise rocked heavily. When

she stabilized, Data checked the Ops console.

 "Captain," he said comfortably, "the alien energy is no longer aboard the

 Enterprise. The antimatter totally disintegrated it."

Relief overwhelmed everyone, except Data.

The chief engineer's voice sounded over the Captain's communicator.

 "Bridge, everything's A-OK down here" he informed. "A few injuries, but

 that's all."

 "Good to hear it, Geordi," smiled Jean-Luc. "We owe our lives to Data."

Geordi smiled and nodded. "That's my pal."

Data smiled, grateful to hear his friend's voice.

 Will Riker sat down in his chair.

 "Phew .... another moment and that thing would've cooked our goose."

Data turned around in his chair, his quizzical look taking over his fair

complexion. "Goose, sir? I detect no ...."

Will smiled and shook his head. "Don't worry about it, Data. If it wasn't

for you, the ..."

 "The goose would have been cooked, sir?"

Jean-Luc, Deanna and Will smiled.

 "Something like that, yes."

Data gave a small smile, but still looked confused.

 "Captain," he then said, "we are now travelling on impulse power. The time

 we will take to reach the derelict has altered from the original. Our ETA at

 its coordinates are six hours and thirty-one minutes."

 "Thank you, Data."

Captain Picard then looked at his Second Officer, and something faint caught

his attention.

 "Data, what's that?"

Data frowned and looked puzzled. "What is what, Captain?"

 "That - on your face?"

Data looked at his reflection in the Ops console. He blinked and quickly

wiped the dash of lipstick away.

 "Er .... nothing .... Captain ....."

Will Riker looked away and a smile broke out on his face.

 "Dismissed, Mr. Data," said Jean-Luc, not wanting to pursue the matter.

Data gave an abrupt nod and walked promptly to the turbolift. He could feel

the eyes of the entire bridge crew watching him. Why are they all staring at

me? Did I say or do something wrong?

Data did not turn around. The bridge crew were even more surprised when they

heard the android sneeze just as the turbolift doors were about to open.

"Excuse me, please."

Data then entered the lift without saying another word.

Will Riker turned to Jean-Luc, eyes wide.

 "Was that a sneeze, sir?"

The captain raised his eyebrows and gave a surprised nod.

 "Yes, Number One, I believe it was."

Lieutenant Commander Talon was Ten-Forward, sitting alone, with one of

Guinan's specialities in hand. Commander Riker walked to her table and sat

next to her.

 "Mind if I sit here?"

Lucia looked at him.  "I suppose not."

Frankly she wished Data would come.

 "So, why's a beautiful girl like you sitting all alone?"

The statement caught Lucia off guard.

 "I .... I don't know .... Just wanted a drink I guess...."

Riker eyed her. "Come on ... I think you're lonely ..."

Lucia was getting slightly agitated.

 "Come with me .... I'll take you to the holodeck."

 "I've already been to Holodeck Two with ...."

Lucia's voice trailed off. Riker was interested.

 "With who?"

Lucia wouldn't answer.

 "Come on ...." insisted Riker. "Who with? ...."

 "With all due respect, sir, It's none of your business."

Riker looked a trifle offended at that.

 "I'm sorry ...." he said with an apologetic face. "You know ... the light of

 this place makes your eyes look beautiful..."

 "Commander..."

At that moment, Data walked into Ten-Forward.

 Thank God ... thought Lucia.

 "Excuse me, Commander, but I'm really not interested."

Riker nodded, a trifle upset. Lucia stood and walked to Data.

 "Hi, Data," she said.

Data turned around to face her. "Hello, Lucia."

 "Let's go" she said softly.

 "But I have only just arrived ..."

Lucia looked around and saw Riker's eyes fixed on her. She gave him a fierce

look. Riker instantly looked away. Lucia kissed Data and the two walked out

of Ten-Forward. Riker watched them go. He didn't take his eyes away from the

entrance, until a familiar figure stood before him. Riker looked up.

 "Guinan."

 "Can I get you something?"

Riker hesitated, then said, "no ... no thanks."

 "You jealous?"

Riker looked up at Guinan. "What about?"

Guinan looked at him, implying Riker knew exactly what about.

 "I don't know .... she's a beautiful woman, but I can't help feeling happy

 for Data."

 "So, ask yourself again - Are you jealous?"

Riker looked at her and after a pause softly said, "I guess not."

Data and Lucia were walking down the corridor.

 "Somebody should keep that Riker on a leash."

Data was not sure he understood what Lucia meant, but said nothing about it.

 "Lucia," he then said, "I have I have lost my tapestry needle."

 "No problem, Data. I'll get you another."

At that moment, Captain Picard's voice sounded over both their communicators.

 "Commander Data and Commander Talon, please report to the bridge - Now."

 "On our way, Captain," transmitted Lucia.

They walked to the turbolift and the doors opened. Data gestured to Lucia to

enter the turbolift first. He then followed her.

 "Main Bridge."

The doors hissed shut.

The turbolift opened. Lieutenant Commander Data and Talon walked onto the

bridge.

 "You sent for us, Captain?" inquired Data.

 "Yes, I did, Data. StarFleet Command has hailed us urgently and we've lost

 the signal."

 "I shall attempt to relocate it, Captain."

Data sat at Ops and Lucia sat at Conn. She stood up instantaneously with a

ear-piercing shriek. Startled, Jean-Luc looked quickly at her.

 "Commander, explain ...."

 "Data ...." she said, gingerly, "I've found your needle."

Then embarrassed, she sat down again without saying another word. She handed

the needle to Data, who gave her nod. He opened his mouth, but found he did

not know how to say what he was thinking - feeling. He wanted to apologise,

but didn't know how. Lucia could see this and smiled.

 "It's all right," she mouthed to him.

Data was quite relieved that Lucia was not in the slightest, angry with him.

 She is so understanding .... he thought. She treats me as if I were a human

 and she cares about me.

Data looked over at Lucia, who was busily studying her console.

 No matter how much I wish I could have any feelings for her, I must remember

 - I am incapable of emotion. I will have to live with that for the remainder

 of my existence ...

 "Mr. Data, have you located the frequency?"

Data was deep in thought.

 Perhaps someday I will learn what emotions actually mean, but will I ever

 truly feel them?  This is a question that can only be answered in time, if

 answered at all.

Irritated, the captain raised his voice.

 "Mr. Data, is there something wrong with your hearing?"

Data blinked.

 "Negative, sir. I am functioning at optimum level. My hearing is ...."

 "This is the third time I'm asking you."

 "I apologise, Captain. I was .... thinking about something."

 "Kindly think about your duty. Have you located the frequency?"

 "Not as yet, sir."

A few moments later ....

 "Captain, I have something. It is very faint. Audio only."

 "Is it the StarFleet message?"

 "I believe so, sir."

 "Pipe it through, quickly."

 "Enterprise ..." came the urgent voice of Admiral Onel. "This is an

 extremely urgent warning. The Romulans have blamed the Federation for the

 destruction of three of their Warbirds, due to an unknown alien energy

 source. They are aware of your mission into the Neutral Zone and believe you

 are going to attempt to destroy them. They will be waiting for you,

 Jean-Luc. They may even attempt to intercept the Enterprise. "

 "Admiral, we are not responsible" emphasized Picard. "The energy almost

 destroyed the Enterprise as well."

 "I know, you are not responsible, Captain Picard. All our attempts of

 negotiation with the Romulans have failed completely. You must be extremely

 careful."

 "Thank you for the warning, Admiral. We are taking all the necessary

 precautions. We've already manage to increase shield efficiency by

 thirty-seven percent."

 "Jean-Luc, even if you fail, StarFleet will always know you did your best.

 The name Enterprise will never be forgotten. StarFleet out."

 "One disaster after another ...." muttered Picard. "There won't be any

 prizes for the person who guesses what's going to happen next ..."

A few hours later, Data and Lucia were off duty, and were in the turbolift,

going to their separate quarters. Data was unaware of it, but Lucia was

staring at him.

 He's been so kind to me .... When my leg was hurt, he was so gentle .... And

 aboard the holodeck .... that was so romantic. It was beautiful, even though

 Data didn't understand it as I did. Maybe he did inside, but didn't know

 what it was .... I feel so sorry for him. He tries so hard and never seems

 to get what he deserves. All he wants is to be human ....

Lucia quickly wiped a tear from her cheek as Data turned around. The

turbolift doors hissed open. Lucia walked out and Data continued on to deck

fifteen.

In her quarters, Lucia sat in her chair and turned the computer monitor

toward her.

 "Computer," she said, "requesting all available information on Lieutenant

 Commander Data."

 "Working ..."

 "Lieutenant Commander Data was the second sentient android created by Doctor

 Noonian Soong, earth's foremost robotic scientist. He has a computational

 speed of 60 trillion operations per second and a total storage capacity of

 800 quadrillion bits.... "

The computer continued with Data's technical schematics and history in

StarFleet. Lucia was very impressed, with Data's medals and achievements.

 "Intriguing .... as Data would say ..... Computer, you said Data was the

 second android. Who was the first?"

  "The first sentient android created by Dr. Noonian Soong was Lore."

The computer went on to tell Lucia more about Lore.

  "An android with a criminal record. Data's evil twin ... Weird family... I

  wonder how Data feels about Lore?..."

Quite a while later, the computer had finished. Lucia was glad to have more

of an understanding of Data.

Data was in his quarters, reading a book, entitled HANDLING FIGHTS IN A

RELATIONSHIP - The Male Role.

He finished the book in a matter of seconds.

 "Most intriguing ...." he found himself saying. "Perhaps I will do better

 this time ...."

Data put the book on the ledge. He then sat down and continued with his

tapestry enjoying the peaceful pastime. Realising he had almost run out of

brown wool, he left to get some more. While he was gone, Lucia walked into

his quarters.

 "Data ...." she called.

She saw there was no one here. She then walked towards Data's unfinished

tapestry.

 "He's good at this ...." she said to herself. "Most intriguing ...."

Lucia then looked on the ledge and saw the book.

 "Ohh .... that poor guy ...." she said quietly, sympathetically. "He tries

 so hard .... I'll play along with him ...."

Lucia then turned and looked again at the tapestry. At that moment, Data

walked into his quarters and saw Lucia in there, with her back to him.

 Now is my chance .... he thought.

He put the wool over the book and looked at Lucia.

 "Get out of my way" he snapped.

Lucia turned around and looked at him.

 "What?" she asked, a little confused.

 "You are in my way" snapped Data impertinently. "Move."

Lucia realised what Data was trying to do.

 "You're a very rude android" she hissed, playing along with him.

Data then slapped her across her face with the correct amount of pressure.

Lucia put her hand over her cheek, shook her head and recovered. She then

tried to grab Data's arms, but he grabbed hers first. Lucia pushed against

him, forcing him backwards. Data knew he could easily better her, but he was

limiting his strength to that of a human his size and build. Data forced

Lucia backwards and onto the floor. He was on top of her in no time, holding

her down. Lucia pushed the android off her, climbed on top of him and held

him down with all her strength. Lucia then eased her grip on Data's wrists.

Data grabbed her arms. Lucia didn't retaliate, but drew her head closer to

Data's and kissed him. Data released his grip on Lucia's wrists and slowly

put his arms around her back. Then he stopped.

 "No .... no ... I cannot do this ...." he said, sitting up.

 "Why not, Data?" asked Lucia. "I'm sorry if I've... "

 "No .... it is not your fault .... It is mine .... I tried to have a

 relationship before and it did not work. I hurt Jenna's feelings. I did not

 mean to ...."

Gently, Lucia kissed Data.

 "No ...." said Data, raising his voice. "I can't!"

Data blinked, frowned a little then inclined his head to one side.

 "I used a contraction!"

He hugged Lucia, perhaps a little too hard. Lucia coughed, shook her head,

then smiled.

 "Sorry ..." he said, an apologetic look on his face.

Lucia smiled.

 "You can, Data, if you put your mind and heart to it."

 "That's ... just it " said Data, "I do not have a heart."

 "You do, Data .... just ...."

 "Lucia, I do not. I cannot feel anything."

 "You can feel, Data, you just don't realise it. "

 "But how can ...."

 "Data, I'm sure you've heard the story of the Tin Man, how he wanted a heart

 so badly, he didn't realise that he already had one. I believe it's the same

 with you."

Data gave a small smile. "How can I know if that is true?"

 "You will know in time, Data, all good things succumb to those who wait and,

 Data, nothing you do will offend or hurt me. I know that is not your intent."

Data nodded. "I am extremely grateful to you, Lucia, for being so

understanding. It would seem no one had ever understood me this well, apart

from my close friends."

Lucia smiled. "It is my pleasure, Data, always, and, " Lucia inclined her

head to one side, "you would not consider others as friends if you did not

have any emotions."

 "I have never thought of it like that before, but, Lucia, as much as I would

 like to think I have emotions, I ...."

Lucia put her finger over Data's mouth.

 "How do you feel about your brother Lore?" she asked.

  "How do you know about...."

  "I was looking in some computer files."

  "Lore is jealous of me and he is evil."

  "Was he always like that?"

  "My father, Dr. Soong would not have made him evil. Lore said that the

  colonists rejected him. Perhaps that is why he turned against him."

  "Have you ever tried to understand him?" Lucia asked. "Perhaps he wouldn't

  be evil if someone accepted him."

Data nodded. "Perhaps, but I have yet to confront him again to test that

theory."

Lucia smiled. "Where were we, Data?.... Yes .... right here...."

They started kissing passionately.

 "Lucia," said Data, after a while, "most humans would find it hard if not

 impossible to have a relationship with a machine. You ...."

 "Data .... you're not a machine ....."

 "I am a machine, Lucia. I was created by ...."

 "Yes, Data. I know Dr. Noonian Soong. You have the components of a machine,

 but you are sentient. Machines are not sentient. I don't like the term

 'machine' to describe you."

Data looked at her, inquisitively.

 "What ... term would you choose, then?"

 "Data, you're .... I like to think of you as a mechanical life form."

Data's expression showed he agreed.

 "And," said Lucia smiling, gently putting her arm around his back,

 "-Computer, dim the lights - You're a very sexy android..."

Commander William Riker was on his way to the bridge.

 "Picard to Riker."

The First Officer tapped his communicator.

 "Riker here, sir."

 "Locate Commander Data, and both of you report to the bridge."

 "Aye, sir."

Riker turned to the computer.

 "Computer," he said, "locate Lieutenant Commander Data."

 "Lieutenant Commander Data is in his private quarters."

Commander Riker walked to Data's quarters. He sounded the door buzzer. There

was no reply. Riker then opened the door and took a step inside.

 "Dat ...." he began to say.

His gaze then met the floor, where he saw Lieutenant Commander Data and

Lieutenant Commander Talon rolling around on the floor, kissing passionately,

seeming to have a wonderful time. Will's eyes almost shot out of their

sockets, as he stood there, gaping like a goldfish. He then stepped out of

Data's quarters and silently began to walk the other way. Despite the initial

shock, Will could not help smiling to himself.

 "Pinocchio's discovered women ...."

William then hopped into the turbolift.

 "Bri...dge."

The turbolift doors hissed open and Commander Riker stepped out onto the

bridge.

 "Number One, where's Data?"

 "Uh .... he's busy at the moment, Captain .... very busy .... It's not

 urgent is it?"

 " No " said Picard. " No one is manning the Ops station at the moment. I

 need to estimate the time we have left before we reach the derelict vessel.

 No matter. I'll do it. "

Jean-Luc then sat at Ops and flexed his fingers.

 "Three hours, twenty-nine minutes."

 "And thirty-five seconds ..." added Will with a smile.

Meanwhile, in Data's quarters, the two still lay close together on the floor.

Lucia sensed someone else was near. She looked sidewards and shrieked. A face

was peering at them.

 "Do not be alarmed" said Data. "This is my friend, Spot."

 "You didn't tell me you had a cat, Data."

 "You never asked."

Lucia smiled and gently stroked Spot. The cat began to purr. Data then stood

up, holding both Lucia and Spot in his arms. The cat jumped onto the ledge

and pawed the wool. Data put Lucia down. Lucia saw the book again. She picked

it up.

 "Data, you don't need this to impress me."

Data seemed to be embarrassed, but said nothing as Lucia continued. "I like

you the way you are. You try so hard to be human. Perhaps just be yourself

for a change."

Data nodded. "Thank you, Lucia. I will make a note of that."

He then gently kissed her.

 "Data," she said, "can you do some more of this painting? I would love to

 see you paint."

Data smiled at her, picked up his paints and began. The painting did not take

him long to complete, as he was almost finished.

 "Now ..." he said, putting the paintbrush down. "What should I entitle it,

 Lucia?  Any ideas?"

 "Data .... this is your painting. Your work of art. You created it. You

 think of a title. You probably have more ideas than I do anyway."

Data nodded. He had a thoughtful look on his face. He then looked at his

painting.

 "As I said to you before, it is not a painting of anything in particular. It

 is simply free strokes of the brush. "

Data inclined his head to the right and paid particular attention to the

colours merging freely into one and other.

 "Ah" he said, abruptly. "I have an idea."

 "I knew you would, Data," smiled Lucia, putting her hand around his back.

Data then picked up a fine brush, dipped it in brown paint and bent down to

the painting. He painted the title in the left hand corner.

                            Freedom

                         Lt Commander

                             Data

 "Data .... that's beautiful" gasped Lucia. "Freedom .... that is exactly

 what your painting portrays."

She then gazed directly into Data's luminous golden eyes.

 "Data .... how can you have given the painting such a beautiful name if you

 had no feelings?"

The android's confused look took over his complexion.

 "I do not know, but I told you I have no ...."

 "Shhh, Data, " silenced Lucia, gently. "You do have emotions, you just don't

 realise it."

Data smiled, not of pleasure, but with what appeared like pain, longing.

 "I wish I could believe that."

Lucia put her arms around Data and gave him a light hug.

 "Believe it, Data. You ...."

 "Shhh," said Data quietly, as he kissed her, gently.

        Captain's Log, Stardate 46236.5:

        We have entered the Neutral Zone and are on full alert. As yet we

        have had no confrontation with the Romulans. I have a feeling,

        however that may change - soon.

 "At least we haven't bumped into the Romulans" pointed out the First

 Officer, hoping the situation would not change. "Mr. Worf, can you locate

 any Romulan vessels?"

Worf checked tactical. "Not as yet, sir. Sensors indicate no other vessels in

this area besides the Enterprise and the derelict. But, sir, the Romulans may

'bump into us' if they are cloaked."

 "Understood, Lieutenant. Keep scanning."

 "Aye, sir."

A few moments later, Worf looked up from tactical.

 "Captain, detecting an unusual energy source ...."

Jean-Luc looked out of the viewscreen. He instantaneously hit his combadge.

 "Commander Data, Commander Talon, report to the bridge - Immediately."

 "Damn" cursed Lucia, under her breath. "Always in the middle of

 something ...."

She zipped up the top of her uniform and Data wiped the lipstick off his

face. He then touched his communicator.

 " On our way, Captain."

Data and Lucia raced into the turbolift.

 "Data." Picard's voice was somewhat urgent. He pointed to the viewscreen.

 "Is that the same type of energy cloud that almost destroyed the Enterprise?"

Data sat at Ops and checked the console.

 "Confirmed, Captain. The energy readings are identical, and appear to have

 the same fluctuations."

 It's going to happen again thought Jean-Luc. How can we stop it this time?

 "Captain ...." Data's voice sounded very surprised. "The sensors are reading

 possible life signs."

 "Life signs?"  Jean-Luc was astonished. " Are you sure?"

The Enterprise was then blasted by the cloud. Captain Picard stood his ground.

 "Shields up, quickly!  Red Alert. Arm phasers and photon torpedoes."

 "Armed, sir. Shields up," boomed Worf.

The Red Alert klaxon blared and the blood red glow flooded the bridge.

 "Captain," said Data, turning in his chair, "the cloud is definitely showing

 signs of sentience. Readings also indicate a single phaser blast or photon

 torpedo will instantly destroy it."

The Enterprise was blasted a second time.

 "Shields holding, sir," boomed the Klingon, "but power has been reduced by

 twelve percent. I suggest we destroy the creature now, while we still have

 the chance - Before it destroys us."

Data looked at the viewscreen. "Captain .... it is changing both color and

form...."

Jean-Luc turned and saw what was happening. He too was puzzled.

 "Captain!" exclaimed Counsellor Troi suddenly, "I'm sensing fear -

 unbelievable fear .... What ever that is out there, it is alive. It is

 terrified."

Bill Riker saw the anguish in Deanna's eyes, almost identical to the pain she

had sensed at Farpoint. He felt sympathetic. I'm with you, Imzadi ...

 "Captain, we are being hailed by the creature" interrupted Worf.

 "Open hailing frequencies."

 "Aye, sir. Hailing frequencies open."

A message came through, but in alien tongue.

 "Patch in Universal Translator, Mr. Data."

 "Done, sir."

 ".... Don't hurt me ..... Please don't kill me .... " begged The creature,

 sounding as though it was crying." I mean you no harm...."

 "Then why did you fire on our vessel?" barked Riker.

 "I did not know your intent. I .... I was frightened .... I'm sorry, I ...."

 "This is a Federation Starship" interrupted Picard, "not designed for war,

 but for peaceful purposes. We have no wish to harm you. I assure you, we

 come in peace. May I remind you, it is you who attacked the Enterprise in

 the first place. Who are you? - What are you?"

Deanna could sense the creature had calmed considerably. Bill saw her

relaxing and felt grateful.

 "I am Y'ran" introduced the creature. "You have my sincere apologies,

 Enterprise. I attacked you in self defence, but I realise, now, reason

 should have come first. I had no idea I had provoked you into readying your

 weapons."

 "A necessary precaution" explained Lieutenant Worf. "You did not know our

 intent and we did not know yours. It is fortunate our shields were

 operating."

Y'ran apologised again.

 "Apologies accepted, Y'ran," forgave Jean-Luc, "but now we must ask you to

 leave this sector of space. Your being here has created difficulties and may

 lead to a war."

Y'ran was confused. "I do not understand."

 "You are in a sector of space which we call the 'Neutral Zone.' By being

 here, you have complicated matters with us and the Romulans. The matter goes

 back ..."

 "I understand" said Y'ran. "I detected energy readings here - identical to

 those given off by my people, but I discovered that I was picking up my own

 signal beam, which had somehow come into contact with this vessel. I will

 leave and continue my search elsewhere."

 "Search?" inquired Jean-Luc.

 "It is a long story ..." began Y'ran, "but I will shorten it. Our sector of

 the universe is many millions of light years from here. Long ago, a black

 hole appeared, and almost all of my people perished inside it. Only a

 handful of us managed to escape, but we lost all contact. I have been

 roaming the universe in search of them ever since the catastrophe. - Ten

 million years ago. I send out signal beams to try to locate them, but so far

 it has been in vain."

 "Captain," said Data. "I believe Y'ran's signal beams were the cause of our

 problems."

 "Explain, please" came the voice of Y'ran.

 "We encountered a strange alien energy ..." Picard began to explain.

He concluded with, "... we were able to destroy the last one, but only just."

"You have my sincere apologies. I did not know my signal beams would cause

harm. I am so sorry .... I cannot believe I caused harm to other life

forms ...."

 "It was not your intention" comforted Counsellor Troi, sensing Y'ran's

 guilt, despair and pain. "You have our sympathy."

 "Thank you, Enterprise. I will leave you now."

Y'ran did as he promised and zoomed out of sight, perhaps on his way back to

his galaxy, possibly to come into contact with his people someday.

Data's eyebrows went up, higher than anyone had ever seen them go.

 "Captain ...." he began, almost in disbelief. "Y'ran accelerated from zero

 to warp nine point nine-nine in less than one second, without any warp

 propulsion systems ...."

Commander Riker raised his eyebrows.

 "I'd call that fast .... Now, we'd better get this rescue mission under way

 so we can hotfoot it out of here before the Romulans ....."

Data looked up at him, an inquisitive look in the android's eyes. "Inquiry -

Hotfoot?"

 "Forget it, Data."

Data tilted his head a little, then turned back to Ops.

 "We are approaching the derelict craft, Commander Riker," he informed.

 "Captain," interrupted Worf, abruptly, his head shooting up from tactical.

 "A vessel is approaching. It is a Romulan warbird."

Riker tensed. "Uh oh .... "

 "Their disruptors are reading as fully armed " informed the Klingon.

 "Be ready for anything" said Captain Picard, "but keep calm,  everyone."

Despite the captain's words, tension on the bridge was escalating.

 "Captain, the Romulans are hailing us."

 "Open hailing frequencies, Mr. Worf."

 "Open, sir."

Two Romulans appeared on the viewscreen of the Enterprise's Main Bridge.

 "I am Captain Tarogh. I demand you explain your illegal presence in the

 Neutral Zone."

 "I am Captain Jean ...."

 "We know who you are, Picard! " snapped Tarogh. "Explain your...."

 "We know we are in the wrong" admitted Jean-Luc. "We have orders from

 StarFleet Command to rescue ...."

 "Don't hide it from us, Picard. We know why you are here. You are here to

 destroy us."

 "You are wrongfully accusing us. We ...."

 "Do not lie!" fumed Tarogh. "Three of our finest Warbirds were destroyed by

 an energy the Federation somehow developed. I will not let you destroy us,

 do you hear?!"  Tarogh's anger was threatening to explode any second.

 "We are not going to destroy you" assured Jean-Luc. "We are innocent. The

 energy you speak of was also encountered by us."

Captain Picard explained about their encounter with Y'ran.

 "I do not believe you, Picard," concluded Captain Tarogh. "If you had

 encountered the energy, the Enterprise would have been destroyed."

Picard was firing up, but he kept his cool. "The reason we were not

destroyed, Captain Tarogh, is we beamed our antimatter core out of the

Enterprise, destroying the energy cloud. If we had not done that, you would

not be talking to us right now."

Captain Tarogh took a moment to think. The viewscreen on the bridge of the

Enterprise went blank.

Tarogh to his second-in-command.

 "Talez, scan the Enterprise. If you detect any antimatter aboard it, I will

 destroy it without warning."

Talez performed the scan.  No antimatter is aboard, sir. Perhaps we can trust

them."

 "Perhaps, but if it they did not destroy our Warbirds, who did? ...."

 "I do not know, sir."

Tarogh nodded. "Open hailing frequencies."

 "The Enterprise  is standing by, Captain."

 "Captain," called Worf, looking up from tactical at the Romulan Warbird,

 "the Romulans are powering down their disruptors."

Tension eased on the bridge.

Once again, the two Romulans appeared on the viewscreen.

 "Enterprise, we have confirmed that no antimatter is aboard your ship. We

 are considering that you have told us the truth. I may have overreacted.

 My ... only brother was on one of the Warbirds destroyed ... But, Captain

 Picard, there is still the matter of your violation of the Neutral Zone."

Jean-Luc began to explain. "We have orders from StarFleet Command to rescue

any survivors that may be inside a derelict vessel that has been located in

the Neutral Zone. I too disfavor this situation..."

He finished with, "... I realise our presence here aroused your suspicion,

and appears provocative, but, Captain Tarogh, we are here for one reason and

one only - To save lives. Nothing more."

 "Proceed with your rescue mission, Captain Picard, but be warned, if you

 try anything suspicious, we will not hesitate to fire."

The viewscreen went blank.

 "Sir," said Worf, "the Romulans are rearming their disruptors."

Picard turned. "Counsellor?"

 "At this moment, they do not intend to fire, Captain. I sense confusion,

 anger and grief. Tarogh is under a tremendous amount of emotional pain due

 to the loss of his brother. I cannot be sure if he will act on his threat.

 Romulans are extremely unpredictable. I suggest we proceed with caution."

 "I'm with Deanna" agreed Will. "Let's be careful."

The bridge crew focused their attention on the strange looking derelict

craft. It was floating in outer space, appearing to be motionless.

 "Magnify, Mr. Data," said Picard.

The craft looked even stranger when the image was magnified.

 "Can you identify it, Data?"

The third in command shook his head.

 "Negative, Captain. It is unlike any craft the Enterprise or any other

 Federation vessel has ever encountered."

 "Captain," said Lucia, abruptly, "I'm picking up life signs, but I can't be

 sure what type."

Picard turned to Ops. "Mr. Data, elaborate."

 "Life signs have been detected, Captain, but sensors cannot be certain if

 they are biological, mechanical or other. Judging from these scans, the life

 forms aboard are not humanoid."

 "Open hailing frequencies."

 "Open, sir," came Worf's voice.

 "This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS Enterprise. We have been sent to

 rescue you."

There was a pause.

 "No response, Captain," informed Worf.

The captain then tapped his communicator. "Picard to Transporter Chief. Can

you get a fix on the life forms in the derelict? "

 "Negative, sir. Not yet. The energy of that Y'ran creature's signal beam is

 aboard the derelict and is interfering with the transporter, but we can

 transport something or someone there."

Captain Picard then turned around.

 "Number One, prepare a minimal Away Team."

 "Aye, sir. Data. Talon."

Data and Lucia stood up and followed the First Officer to the turbolift. The

doors hissed open, and they entered.

 "Transporter Room Three."

The three of them stood on the transporter pads and set their phasers on stun.

 "Energize" said Riker.

The Away Team shimmered as they were beamed directly aboard the derelict.

They instantly drew their phasers. Seeing there was no apparent danger, the

weapons were lowered. Riker pushed his combadge.

 "We're here, Captain, but we have not as yet seen anyone."

 "This is a relatively small ship" added Data, "so I would hypothesize that

 there are few survivors."

 "Understood" said Picard. "Maintain open frequencies."

 "Aye, sir."

The Away Team split up and began searching. Further on, Data was detecting

possible life signs. As he drew the tricorder upwards, he noticed several

forms of plant life in what seemed to be scientific observation capsules.

 "No survivors have been located as yet, Captain," he reported, "but the

 tricorder has located several forms of plant life which appear to be

 contained for scientific study. Perhaps this was what the sensors detected."

 "Perhaps, Data, but there may be survivors. Keep searching."

 "Aye, sir."

Captain Picard touched his combadge. "Chief, can you get a fix on the Away

Team? I want them beamed up immediately if anything goes wrong."

 "Aye, sir. I haven't got an exact fix, but I'm working on it. I'll keep you

 posted."

Data left the plants and made his way to what appeared to be the Main Bridge.

There, he saw three navy blue skinned people lying on the floor. He turned

one of them over. Data pushed his communicator.

 "Captain, I have located three motionless humanoid life forms aboard the

 Main Bridge of the derelict vessel. Two male, one female. They do not appear

 to be any form of life that we or any other Federation vessel have

 encountered. They are ..." Data then stopped.

 "Captain," he said, "judging from their uniforms, the plants and the

 structure of this vessel, I would theorize that it was intended purely for

 scientific purposes, and..."

 "Mr. Data ..." interrupted Picard, "it doesn't matter what their purpose is.

 Are they showing any life signs?"

Data drew his tricorder and checked. "No, sir. None."

 "Have you any idea as to what killed them?"

 "I cannot give an exact account, Captain. They appear to have been dead for

 some time. I would hypothesize that there was an explosion aboard the bridge.

 All three of them have extensive burns to their bodies. Perhaps it was a

 scientific experiment than went drastically wrong."

 "Copy, Data. Thank you. Number One? Lieutenant Talon?"

 "Talon's with me, Captain. Other than the plant specimens, and ourselves, we

 are detecting no life signs here."

The derelict then shook violently.

 "Away Team! What happened?!" exclaimed Jean-Luc, concerned.

Data hit his combadge. "The vessel jolted, sir, reason unknown."

A female voice sounded over the access panels of the derelict.

        "I am Captain Yondea Mirana. This is my final mission on the Tieo.

        Due to an extremely dangerous discovery, which we can only describe

        as an entity, that sends out pulses of highly destructive energy, I

        am forced to destroy ourselves and the Tieo. If our discovery falls

        into the wrong hands, the of the entity which calls itself Y'ran,

        could be used for destructive purposes, resulting in the cataclysmic

        obliteration of the Universe. Our Dolmarian legend has it that long

        ago, these creatures created a black hole in space which destroyed

        entire  worlds. We feel it is necessary to sacrifice ourselves for

        this reason. What are three lives compared to all life in the

        Universe? The Tieo must be destroyed to save the future. She was

        built entirely for peaceful, scientific purposes, not for war.

        END OF LOG --"

There was a pause, and then the computer blipped.

 " The self destruct mechanism has been activated. The Tieo will self

 destruct in seven minutes and fifty seconds. Forty nine .... Forty eight ..."

 "Picard to Transporter Chief. Beam the Away Team up - Now."

 "I can't, Captain!" he replied, madly punching the transporter controls.

 "There's too much interference ....."

 "We need that transporter. The Away Team is in considerable danger. The

 derelict is going to ...."

 "I know, sir. Believe me, I'm doing everything I can."

 "Well do better" barked the captain. "Picard out."

Data dashed away from the entrance to the bridge.

The Tieo jolted vigorously. Lucia was thrown into Will Riker's arms.

 "Quick!" he yelled, as some shelving came tumbling down, "we have to get

 outta here!"

Lucia and Will ran as fast as they could down one of the corridors. One of

the ship's computer terminals blew apart near Lucia. She screamed and was

thrust to one side.

 "Lucia! ...." shouted Will, desperately ripping through the smoke and

 sparks," are you all right?"

 "Yeah ... I'm fine .... sir."

 "Forget protocol for now. Our lives come first."

Will helped her up. They then continued to run down the corridor, with

explosions ripping all around them.

 "Picard to Transporter Chief ... Are the ..."

 "I've got something, sir! Yes! I'll be able to beam them up."

 "Do it! Now!"

 "Aye, sir."

Picard then turned to tactical.

 "Hail the Romulans, Mr. Worf."

 "Frequencies open, sir."

 "Captain Tarogh, all life forms on the derelict vessel whom we were sent to

 rescue were found to be dead. We are now pulling out of this sector."

Without a word, the Romulan vessel vanished.

 "They have engaged their cloaking device, sir," informed the Klingon.

 "I'm going to the Transporter Room Three. You have the bridge, Mr. Worf."

The security chief gave a curt nod. "Yes, Captain."

Commander Riker and Lieutenant Commander Talon dematerialized in the

glistening transporter beam and re-materialized on the transporter stage.

Captain Picard met them in the Transporter Room. Riker walked off transporter

pad. He then looked around.

 "Where's Data? ...."

Lucia saw a StarFleet communicator insignia on the transporter stage, bent

down and picked it up.

 "No! ...." she gasped. "He's still on that ship .... this is only his

 combadge...."

She looked desperately at Captain Picard.

 "Captain .... we have to go back for him...."

 "The Tieo's going to blow in less than five minutes" said Riker.

 "Captain ...." said Lucia, frantically, ".... we have to go back for Data.

 We can't let him die ...."

Jean-Luc took a deep breath. "Lucia, there's not enough time. There's no way

you can save him in four minutes."

 "Still, Captain, I have to try."

 "No, Lieutenant. Losing one friend and valid crew member is bad enough. I do

 not want to lose two - And the Romulans may still be out there."

 "I appreciate your concern, Captain, but ...."

 "No, Lieutenant."

 "Please, Jean-Luc ...."

 "No, Lucia. I cannot let ...."

 "Permission to insult, sir," snapped Lucia, sarcastically.

 "Not granted" Picard shot back. "You are to return to the bridge -

 immediately."

Lucia was silent for a short moment. She then looked behind Captain Picard.

 "Data!!" she exclaimed. "You made it!!"

Picard, Riker and the Transporter Chief spun around, but there was no one

there. The diversion created enough time for Lucia to activate the

transporter.

 "Override!" yelled Picard.

  "I can't, sir!"

Picard wanted to feel angry, but for some reason, he was not.

 "How can anyone punish such bravery?"

Commander Talon was beamed directly to the Tieo.

 "This vessel will self destruct in three minutes and thirty- nine seconds.

 Thirty eight ...."

 "I have to find him ...." Lucia said to herself, determined.

She began frantically began searching.

 "DATA!! WHERE THE @#$% ARE YOU??!!"

Explosions erupted all around her and the ship's hull was beginning to break

apart. Some of the higher ledges tumbled down. Lucia quickly manoeuvred out

of the way. She then looked towards an open door. She ran to it and looked

inside. She saw the three dead scientists, but they were not her concern. Her

concern was Data. As Lucia ran in the other direction, she tripped over a

large slab of metal on the floor, which was on an angle. She peered under it.

"Data!!"

Lucia instantaneously knelt down to him and used all her strength to free him

from underneath the metal. She was a little confused, however. Data was much

stronger than her, so why couldn't he have freed himself? Lucia then gasped,

horrified. There was another, very sharp piece of metal which had sliced

through Data's chest and was still stuck inside him and he was bleeding

heavily. Lucia winced.

 "Data, are you all right? ...."

There was no reply. The android just lay there, motionless.

 "Data .... Data say something, please!...."

Lucia managed to pry the metal loose and take it out of him. She cut her

hands, and they started bleeding, but she was too worried about Data to

notice the pain. Data slowly began to open his eyes. Lucia gasped with relief.

 "Where .... where am I? ..." asked Data, weakly. "I cannot see..."

 "You're on the Tieo, Data. It's set to self destruct. I came back for you."

 "No ...." said Data, weakly, sounding as though he was in pain," save

 yourself, Lucia."

 "No, Data. You're hurt. You're dying ... You need me. I didn't come back

 here to watch you die."

 "My destruction is inevitable now, Lucia, but you can still escape. Go now,

 while you still have a chance .... please ..."

 "No way, Data. You're coming with me. We're both coming out of this - alive."

 "Lucia, I am ... I'm too heavy for you .... You may not make it. Leave me

 here."

 "Shut up, Data - That's an order."

Lucia then smiled and helped Data stagger to his feet. The gash in the

android's chest was large. Lucia was not sure how much it was hurting him,

but it looked as though the android was in excruciating pain.

 "This vessel will self destruct in one minute and ten seconds... nine ..."

Data was quite heavy, but Lucia was determined to save him.

 " Come on ..." she said. "We don't have much time."

Data did his best to walk, but found it quite difficult in his damaged

predicament. His eyesight was beginning to return to him, but he saw only

blurred visions. Lucia staggered with him away from the exploding machinery,

out of danger.

 As they were staggering away, a sharp piece of metal sliced into Lucia's

 ankle. She shrieked with pain. Data stopped. He spoke weakly, but with

 concern. "Are you all right, Lucia?"

 "Yes .... I'm okay .... it's just my ankle, but saving our lives .... your

 life is my main concern right now."

Data appreciated Lucia's concern for him, but did not want her to sacrifice

herself on his account. Lucia managed to locate a corridor which appeared to

be safer than the others. She gave Data his communicator and hit hers.

 "Enterprise, two to beam up."

 "There's a malfunction .... The transporter is only capable of beaming one

 person up at a time."

There was a pause.

 "You go first, Lucia," said Data, breaking the silence.

 "No, Data, you ....."

 "I thank you and appreciate all you have done for me. I commend your

 bravery, but...."

 "But nothing, Data. You go first .... I love you."

Data smiled weakly.

 " Thank you for everything, Lucia. I appreciate all you have done for me,

 and I shall remember your kindness, always. I wish I could say 'I love you

 too', and return your love."

 "You already have, Data."

Data was confused, but before the android could say anything, Lucia pushed

his communicator in his hand, but not before she kissed him, passionately.

 " Enterprise," she said, "one to beam up."

Before Data could do anything, he was beamed aboard the Enterprise. The

android collapsed on the transporter stage.

 " Captain, Data's badly wounded, he...."

 "Get him to sickbay" barked Picard from the bridge. "Have you got a fix on

 Commander Talon?"

 "I'm trying, sir, but there's too much interference ...

Sir .... I think I have something! Energising transporter!"

The image of Lucia began to form on the transporter stage.

 "Anything?" asked Jean-Luc.

 "Negative, sir. I almost got her, but I've lost her signal."

>From the viewscreen, the entire bridge crew witnessed the Tieo detonate in an

enormous, violent, spectacular explosion.

 "Shields up" said Picard, automatically

The bridge crew were left temporarily visionless by the blinding glare.

Captain Picard then bashed his combadge. "Transporter chief.... " he said

urgently. "Anything?"

There was a pause, then, "negative, sir. Nothing."

Jean-Luc pushed his lips together. He took a deep breath and

pushed his communicator.

 "Doctor Crusher, how's Data?"

 "He's bad, Captain. Geordi and I are working on him."

 "Any improvement in his condition?" asked Will, concerned.

 "Not much Commander," said Geordi. "He suffered a considerable amount of

 damage. His chest has been ripped open. I believe with our help and his

 automatic repair systems ...."

 "Geordi," interrupted Jean-Luc, "is there any hope Data can be repaired?"

 " Fortunately his positronic brain was not damaged, but there has been a

 substantial amount of internal damage and he's lost a lot of his chemical

 nutrients."

 "Mr. La Forge, Doctor Crusher, keep us posted."

 "Aye, sir."

Geordi looked at his friend's wounded body. "Please don't die, Data ...."

Later in sickbay ....

 "There .... that should do it."

Geordi finished welding Data's chest. Doctor Crusher looked at him and nodded.

 "I hope so."

The two waited anxiously. Data's eyes opened a few seconds later and he sat

up without effort. He looked down at his chest, then looked up.

 "Geordi?"

Geordi smiled and tapped his combadge.

 "Captain, Data's A-OK."

 "Excellent, Geordi," smiled Jean-Luc. "I'll join you with Commander Riker

 and Counsellor Troi in sickbay."

 "Yes, sir."

Data then looked around.

 "Doctor? .... I am on the Enterprise ...."

Captain Picard arrived in sickbay moments later. Data took a few seconds to

recall what had happened.

 "Data, are you all right?"

There was a moments pause.

 "Yes, Captain, I am fine. All my systems are operating. Where is Lucia?"

Jean-Luc hesitated.

 "Has something happened to her?" asked Data, concerned when he saw the look

 on the captain's face. "Was she not beamed aboard the Enterprise?"

Jean-Luc paused for a while.

 "You were beamed up first, Data," explained Will. "We tried desperately to

 lock onto Lucia, but there was too much interference. We were unable to save

 her ... I'm sorry. ..."

Data paused for a long while.

 "She .... she sacrificed herself for me ...."

Jean-Luc nodded. Neither he, nor Geordi, Will, Deanna or Beverly could

explain the strange look in Data's golden eyes. Neither could Data. He slowly

slid off the biobed and walked towards the exit.

 "She died honourably, Data."

Data turned around and looked at Captain Picard.

 "Yes, Jean-Luc," he said, his voice sincere. "I know that, and I will never

 forget it. I will respect and remember her, always."

Data then left sickbay without saying another word. Deanna watched him go.

 "Captain, I'm sensing ...."

Jean-Luc raised his finger, silencing her.

 "I know, Deanna. So am I."

Back on the bridge, the entire crew had assembled.

 "Lieutenant Commander Lucia Talon has demonstrated extreme value and courage

 in her self sacrifice. We shall remember her, always."

 "We shall remember ...." repeated the entire bridge crew in unison and

 respect.

Jean-Luc then sat down. Ensign Rager at the Conn, looked over at Data.

 "Sorry about Lucia," she said softly, sadly.

A million things flew through Data's head, but all he could do was nod and

say, "me too ...."

Data was confused. He felt Lucia's death was his fault. felt  Guilt? .... am

I feeling guilt? How is this possible? I cannot feel anything ....

Rager was deep in thought about Lucia as well. She barely heard the order

from Captain Picard.

 "Ensign Rager, take us out of the Neutral Zone and lay in a course for the

 nearest Starbase. Proceed on half impulse power."

She did not comply. Captain Picard raised his voice.

 "Ensign Rager .... "

She jerked. "Captain?"

Captain Picard repeated his order.

 "Sorry, sir. I was thinking about Commander Lucia .... Aye, sir.

 Co-ordinates laid in, one half impulse."

 "Engage."

As the Enterprise sailed through space on impulse power, Data

turned in his chair and stood up.

 "Captain, request permission to return to my quarters."

Jean-Luc nodded. "Granted, Data."

Data left the bridge and entered the turbolift. The doors hissed closed.

 "Deck two."

Data soon arrived at his quarters. He walked inside and looked at his Freedom

painting. He then turned around and saw the tapestry on the ledge. Images of

Lucia flew through his head.

   "Second Officer's Personal Log, Stardate 46240.0:

Data explained in his Log, the times he had with Lucia from beginning to end.

The tragic end.

        ... I should have been the one killed, not her. She gave me

        everything she could and understood me better than anyone. Lucia

        loved me and I once again, I was incapable of loving in return. I

        feel so inhibited. Lucia said that I do have emotions, but I don't

        realise it. Is this true? I hope so. I shall remember you, Lucia -

        always."

Data then picked up his - Lucia's tapestry, left his quarters and slowly

walked into the turbolift.

 "Ten-Forward."

Data reached his destination. The Ten-Forward lounge, normally buzzing with

social excitement was now totally deserted. Not a soul to be seen or heard.

Data slowly walked to the front of the lounge and sat down by the window. He

gazed out at the stars.

 "You okay?" came Guinan's soothing voice.

Data jerked, then turned his head toward her.

 "I did not think anyone would be here."

 "I'm always here, Data."

Data turned his eyes away from her and looked down at Lucia's tapestry and

played with the wool.

 "She was so kind to me ...." he said, softly. "And understood me so well."

Data looked into Guinan's eyes.

 "It is not fair, Guinan .... Why ...."

 "A lot of things in life are not fair, Data, but we just have to accept

 them."

Data closed his eyes, then opened them and slowly nodded.

 "She did not deserve to die. I did."

 "No you didn't, Data. Lucia loved you very deeply. That's why she chose to

 sacrifice herself. She did it because she wanted to. You life was more

 important to her than her own."

 "I realize that, Guinan and I will always respect her for her sacrifice,

 but...."

 "A thing you are going to have to learn about being human, Data, is

 accepting pain."

Data then realised had advanced further in his never ending struggle to

become human. He wanted to feel happy, but he was not. He had suffered such a

great loss in the process, in a way he felt he was better off before.

 "Thank you, Guinan," he said, grateful for her understanding,

"but I would like to be left alone now."

Guinan gave a small smile and a single nod. She then turned and seemed to

disappear in her flowing clothes behind the Ten-Forward bar.

Data looked down at Lucia's tapestry. He picked up the threaded needle and

began to sew. He was surprised when he saw a small droplet of water on the

tapestry. He wiped his eye, amazed. He was crying. For the first time in his

life. Real tears. Yet, despite this achievement, he was not happy. He then

gazed at the billions of stars outside, and whispered sadly, softly, If I am

capable of love, at all - I love you, Lucia.

------------------------------------------------------------

Tanya "Lore" Dean,

15/11A Cambridge St

Sydney   NSW   2111

AUSTRALIA

Since Tanya does not have direct access to the net

please address any email to:

henry@cerberus.bhpese.oz.au